What does Judges 3:19 mean?
“But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.” — Judges 3:19
The Bible verse Judges 3:19 in the King James Version states, "But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him." This verse is found within the context of the book of Judges, which primarily focuses on the period of the Israelites' history after the death of Joshua and before the establishment of the monarchy under Saul and David.
In this particular verse, the "he" mentioned is Ehud, who was a judge of Israel. The story leading up to this verse begins with the Israelites doing evil in the sight of the Lord, and as a result, they were oppressed by Eglon, the King of Moab, for 18 years. Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppression.
The verse, Judges 3:19, describes the moment when Ehud deceives King Eglon by telling him that he has a secret message for him. As a left-handed man, Ehud had an advantage as most people were right-handed, and weapons were designed for right-handed people. This detail becomes significant later in the story as Ehud is able to conceal a dagger on his right thigh, which Eglon would not have expected due to Ehud's left-handedness.
The symbolism in this verse is important to note. The "quarries by Gilgal" can be seen as representing the place where Ehud had been sent as though he were there on official business, concealing his true intent. The "secret errand" referred to is the plan Ehud has to assassinate King Eglon, delivering the Israelites from their oppressor. The King's response to Ehud's request for privacy, "Keep silence," sets the stage for the following events to unfold in secrecy.
The themes within this verse and the surrounding story are ones of deception, deliverance, and the sovereignty of God. Ehud's cunning and ability to deceive Eglon are significant aspects of this narrative, as they ultimately lead to the deliverance of the Israelites from their oppressor. Additionally, the sovereignty of God is evident throughout this story, as it was God who raised up Ehud as a judge and gave him the strength and courage to carry out his mission.
The context of this verse within the book of Judges also provides a broader understanding of the story. The book of Judges details a recurring cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance within the nation of Israel. In this particular instance, Ehud serves as the deliverer whom God raised up to rescue the Israelites from the oppressive rule of King Eglon. This narrative serves to demonstrate God's faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of their disobedience.
Overall, Judges 3:19 in the King James Version offers a rich and compelling narrative that is filled with symbolism, themes of deliverance and sovereignty, and a powerful demonstration of God's faithfulness to His people. The story of Ehud's secret mission to assassinate King Eglon is a testament to the unexpected ways in which God works to bring about deliverance for His people.
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Artwork for Judges 3:19
Judges 3:19 - "But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him."
"But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him." - Judges 3:19
Judges 3:31
Judges 19:3 - "And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him."
Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."
Judges 19:19 - "Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing."
2 Chronicles 19:6 - "And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment."
2 Chronicles 19:5 - "¶ And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,"
Judges 5:19 - "The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money."
Zephaniah 3:3 - "Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow."
Judges 10:3 - "¶ And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years."
Judges 19:14 - "And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin."
Judges 19:26 - "Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man's house where her lord was, till it was light."
Judges 19:7 - "And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again."
Judges 3:6 - "And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods."
Deuteronomy 19:18 - "And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;"
Judges 19:21 - "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink."
Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."
Judges 1:19 - "And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron."
Judges 3:14 - "So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years."
Judges 19:20 - "And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street."
Luke 11:19 - "And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges."
Deuteronomy 19:17 - "Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;"
Judges 13:3 make the Angel of the Lord male
Judges 3:3 - "Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath."
Judges 19:12 - "And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah."
Judges 3:5 - "¶ And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:"
Judges 3:26 - "And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath."
Judges 19:13 - "And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah."
Judges 19:4 - "And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there."